Take the 2017 Outdoor Challenge with ViewRanger

Posted on 01/01/2017

Outdoor discovery app ViewRanger is calling on Brits and outdoor enthusiasts around the world to step into a healthier new year with the launch of its 2017 challenges.

ViewRanger’s 2017 Outdoor Challenges will see people all over the world, walk, cycle and run between 250 and 6,000 miles throughout 2017, using the app to keep track of their mileage and share their adventures throughout the year.

The launch follows the success of the ViewRanger’s #Walk2016 and #Bike2016 challenges, which inspired participants to cover a combined total of more than 1 million miles.

As well as tracking participants’ mileage, ViewRanger also contains more than 150,000 detailed route guides that can be downloaded for free, then followed using the app’s active GPS navigation features.

Leading the way again will be ViewRanger ambassador Hetty Key, who used last year’s walking challenge as motivation to climb Mont Blanc, western Europe’s highest mountain, and explore new trails closer to home in the English Peak District.

“I can't believe it’s been nearly a year since I signed up to walk 1,000 miles in ViewRanger's #Walk2016!” said Hetty. “Aside from loving a challenge, my main motivation to take part was to discover interesting new routes and places.

“Over the past 12 months I’ve definitely done this. From uncovering new hikes only 15 minutes from my doorstep to epic adventures further afield, this challenge has taken me on some unforgettable adventures. The absolute highlight for me was climbing Mont Blanc, my first 4000m peak. It’s one of the best things I have ever done.

“Looking forward to January, I can’t wait to see where the new ViewRanger challenges take me – I have a feeling it’s going to be another very exciting year!”

ViewRanger’s challenges are designed to suit outdoor lovers of all ages and abilities, with the diversity of participants proving you don’t need to be a super-fit cyclist or hardcore hillwalker to take part.

Michael Geraghty challenged himself to walk 1,000 miles in 2016, and reached the memorable milestone in late November. He said: “I had a stent fitted in October 2015 to fix a heart problem, so I challenged myself to complete 1000 miles to show that a heart condition need not hold you back.”

The 2017 challenges kick off on 1 January and participants can choose to:

Walk – 250, 500, 1000 or 1500 miles

Run – 250, 500, 1000 or 2000 miles

Bike – 750, 1500, 3000 or 6000 miles

To finish the 250 miles walking and running challenges you need to complete just over four miles a week. For the lower cycling challenge of 750 miles, you only need to pedal 15 miles a week. Or to complete the mega 6,000 mile cycling challenge, you need to ride more than 115 miles a week.

Craig Wareham, ViewRanger CEO and co-founder said: “There’s something for everyone, from outdoor enthusiasts to busy families. The community spirit amongst everyone taking part has been a real highlight – people like Michael are an inspiration and I’ve loved seeing what everyone else is up to on Instagram and Twitter.

“We’re delighted to launch the 2017 ViewRanger challenges, which are a great way to start the year on the right foot and continue as you mean to go on. There’s no gym fees or pressure, just download the ViewRanger app and away you go.”